Take One Press

Some interviews feel less like a traditional press conversation and more like a conversation with someone who genuinely wants to see others succeed. Our recent chat with actor, director, and filmmaker Brett Culbert was exactly that.

Over the course of nearly an hour, Culbert spoke candidly about acting, directing, creativity, perseverance, and the mindset required to build a career in an industry where rejection is often the norm. What stood out most wasn’t just his passion for filmmaking, it was his belief that the only way forward is through action.

For Culbert, storytelling has never been about following a formula. Whether he’s portraying authority figures on screen, directing independent projects, or developing his own original work, he’s drawn to characters who carry emotional weight and hidden struggles beneath the surface. He described his fascination with “the story within the story”, finding deeper meaning beneath what initially appears simple.

That philosophy extends to his work as a director. Having spent years in front of the camera, Culbert understands the fear and vulnerability actors often experience on set. Rather than viewing performers as pieces in a production machine, he prioritizes empathy, communication, and trust.

“I love taking an actor that is questioning himself or herself,” he told us. “And then they nail something.”

Throughout the conversation, Culbert repeatedly returned to one central theme: commitment.

When discussing aspiring filmmakers and actors, he dismissed the idea that opportunities simply arrive on their own. Success, in his view, comes from relentlessly pursuing the difficult tasks that move a project forward, even when they’re uncomfortable.

“If you want to make a movie, you make a movie,” he said. “Your first movie is going to suck. Your second movie is going to suck. Your third movie is going to suck. But you’ll learn from every one of them.”

That perspective is shaped by years of hearing “no” and continuing anyway. Culbert believes growth comes from embracing uncertainty, pushing beyond comfort zones, and pursuing the path that feels challenging rather than safe.

The conversation also touched on his concerns about the future of filmmaking. Culbert spoke passionately about preserving human creativity in an era increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence, emphasizing the importance of authentic storytelling and creating opportunities for artists. He hopes to build projects that not only entertain audiences but also create meaningful jobs for creatives and underserved communities.

Looking ahead, Culbert remains busy balancing auditions, directing ambitions, and developing his own projects. While he’s played his fair share of officers, commanders, and authority figures, he admitted he’d love to tackle darker characters, a Western, or even a fresh take on Robin Hood someday.

More than anything, though, Brett Culbert left us with a reminder that’s easy to forget: the future isn’t built by waiting for permission.

Sometimes the best thing you can do is simply take the leap.

As Culbert put it:

“Do what’s hard.”